Q: How do you keep a gravel driveway nice?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-make-your-gravel-driveway-look-rock-star.htm">Keeping your gravel driveway beautiful</a>&mdash;or any gravel structure for that matter&mdash;does call for regular maintenance. You may occasionally need to add more gravel to low areas if you notice any pooling after rainfall. Gravel might also become excessively dusty over time. You can compact it with a mechanical compactor, which you can rent for around $80 to $85 per day.</p><p>To minimize maintenance requirements for your gravel, it&rsquo;s important to ensure your land is properly graded before installing the gravel. It&rsquo;s also helpful to lay landscaping fabric beforehand to keep it in place.</p></div>

Question 1

How much mulch do you need to prevent weeds?

Accepted Answer

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You should add 1 to 4 inches of mulch, depending on your garden type and needs. Keep in mind that no amount of mulch can completely prevent weeds, but a heavier coverage (closer to 4 inches) can suppress weeds enough that you are only seeing them sprout every few weeks. Finer mulch prevents weeds more effectively than large mulch, so if you’re using mulched leaves or shredded bark, 1 to 2 inches will likely suffice, while 3 to 4 inches is best for larger mulch, like bark chips or straw.

Question 2

How do I keep dirt around my foundation?

Accepted Answer

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The best way to keep dirt around your foundation is to ensure your drainage is working properly and redirecting water well away from the foundation. Soil erosion is one of the most common causes of basement flooding, so it’s important to make sure you’re retaining the soil you replaced after learning how to regrade around the foundation. In addition, your foundation planting can also help prevent erosion. For example, plant roots to help keep soil in place.

Question 3

Does mulch attract termites?

Accepted Answer

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No, mulch itself does not necessarily attract termites even though it’s usually made of shredded wood. Some types of mulch like cedar or cypress resist termites because they’re toxic or unappetizing to the wood munchers. However, when the mulch is deep enough, say three inches or more, it creates a perfect habitat for insects of all kinds to build nests.

Question 4

Can you put topsoil over sand to grow grass?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can put topsoil over sand to encourage grass growth. The topsoil will help to improve water retention and promote grass roots’ development, making it a recommended step of the seeding process. Adding a layer of topsoil will provide additional nutrients to the sandy soil, helping the grass grow and remain healthy through many seasons.

Question 5

How do you keep a gravel driveway nice?

Accepted Answer

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Keeping your gravel driveway beautiful—or any gravel structure for that matter—does call for regular maintenance. You may occasionally need to add more gravel to low areas if you notice any pooling after rainfall. Gravel might also become excessively dusty over time. You can compact it with a mechanical compactor, which you can rent for around $80 to $85 per day.

To minimize maintenance requirements for your gravel, it’s important to ensure your land is properly graded before installing the gravel. It’s also helpful to lay landscaping fabric beforehand to keep it in place.